Follow the topics within this article

Every year at about this time, the forthcoming Proms season is launched. A shiny press pack is sent off to every arts journalist, packed with impressive facts and figures; how many foreign orchestras, how many premieres, how many different kinds of music being celebrated in addition to classical music. It tells us about the many little-known pieces being dragged out of obscurity, the legions of distinguished soloists, the ways the season will be focusing on youth, or age, or people with disabilities. We will be reminded of the many ways the Proms goes beyond the Royal Albert Hall, by venturing to other venues – even beyond London – and in terms of broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 and BBC TV.